Happy Birthday Ellie Grace!

Blaise has a new playmate! Baby Ellie Grace was born last Tuesday, August 26 to my cousin Lyndsay. My mother tells me that Ellie was the exact same size as me-8.5 lbs and 20.5 inches long. She was almost a pound and a half smaller than her big brother Chase-much to Lyndsay's relief! Momma and baby are doing wonderful! I couldn't believe how different Blaise already looks from a newborn. He's changed and grown so much in these past seven weeks!

Lyndsay and I grew up next door to each other and are more like sisters than cousins. We were together all the time. Whether ballet lessons, roaming the woods, or having a sleepover, we were inseparable.  We both ended up in Alabama for college, got married the same year, and now have babies 6 weeks apart. (Though this is her second!) I look forward to sharing this new stage of motherhood with her. 

The beautiful new family-Jeremy wore pink to celebrate his new daughter. (Little Chase was at home with Gma, taking a nap.)

One Month Old

Baby Blaise is one month old! He went to the doctor for a short check up last Friday and he weighed in at 10.12 lbs- gaining almost three pounds in three weeks and growing an inch!  He obviously enjoys nursing (what baby doesn't?!) and is a good and efficient eater- I'm thankful that he's doing so well!   

We see his blue eyes  (the current color) frequently as he is awake more during the day. He loves to be held and loves to go outside-  this August weather has been so gorgeous! Everyone seems to ask, so I will say that yes, we are getting sleep.  The other night he slept for five hours with out waking- he usually goes between three to four. It's really hasn't been a big deal to feed and change his diaper at night-the whole process takes about 20 minutes (I had imagined at least an hour!) I'm used to getting up during the night with the pregnancy anyway and actually now wake less during the night. When daddy wakes up at six thirty we keep sleeping- sometimes until after ten! I can't complain! Blaise sleeps through loud noises too- the organ and brass instruments at church, the concert at the Botanical Gardens, and even sitting right next to a band at a wedding!  He's done a lot in a month as a new born- I'm thankful that we didn't have him during the cold winter and flu season! 

Blaise is using his hands more and grabbing things- the funniest being David's arm pit hair! While I was taking these pictures, he kept knocking the blocks over with his fist. I'm sure in the coming months it will be even more difficult to keep him still!  

I couldn't resist sharing this one...

The First Four Weeks

Words can hardly describe the deep and overwhelming love we already have for our little Blaise. These first weeks at home  have been an amazing time of wonder and awe of our little baby - and our wonderful Creator for blessing us with such an incredible gift! It's hard to believe that it's already been a month. We are desperately trying to savor each minute as we know these sweet baby days will be gone all too quickly....

Great Grandmommy Ruth (my dad's mom)

Great Granddaddy (dad's dad)

Great Grandma Vi (David's mom's mom)

Boppa trying to feed Blaise ice cream cake! Boppa was hoping Blaise would be born on his birthday, the 23rd, but he came earlier!

Uncle Matt 

(my big brother- who's almost 30!) 

Uncle Paul 

(He turned 23 two days before Blaise was born. Yes ladies-he's single! :) 

Blaise's first bath

He really liked it-for a minute-then the crying came! 

David's Aunt Shirley, her husband, and five girls stopped by to meet their new 'cousin.' Technically, it's their first cousin once removed, but that's a mouth full!

The grandparents can't get enough of their new grandson-

we are thankful to be so close to them!

Aunt Lyndsay

We can't wait for baby Ellie Grace to arrive~ 

due in just a few more weeks! 

 Blaise in his swing- sometimes he likes it, other times he wants OUT!

Daddy had been working downstairs doing some repairs/touch ups on the flat, getting it ready for our new neighbors. He was pacifying a fussy Blaise while I showered- the moby wrap works great! I found this when I got out of the shower. 

Such sweet little moments

A Few More Hospital Shots...

first cousins~little Natalee Joy and Bella Grace

'cousin' Lauryn

'cousin' Nick